MTA Reduces Gas Emissions
Over the last few years, the MTA has spent countless time, energy, & resources to help reduce their gas emissions. Just a few minutes ago, the agency proudly issued a press release talking about how they reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 16.6 million metric tons:
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that its operations reduced the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions of the region by 16.6 million metric tons in 2009 through congestion relief, mode shift and land use effects. At the same time, the MTA reduced its own carbon output by 2.5% per passenger mile traveled or 1% in aggregate over the prior year, according to an outside audit.
“The MTA’s transit system makes New York sustainable, with a carbon footprint one-quarter of the national average,” said MTA Chairman Jay H. Walder. “But our commitment to the environment goes even further, as we continue working to reduce our own emissions and improve the environmental performance of our entire operation.”
Using a protocol established by The Climate Registry, the MTA meticulously quantifies its greenhouse gas emissions for all facilities, vehicles, and operations. The MTA released 2.29 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent through its operations, or 23,000 fewer metric tons than the prior year. Nearly 80% of the MTA’s greenhouse gas emissions result from generating the electricity that powers subways and commuter trains, as well as burning fuel – largely compressed natural gas and ultra-low sulfur diesel – in buses and diesel commuter trains. Only 20% of the emissions come from “behind-the-scenes” operations, like maintenance facilities or offices. For more details, see the attached report, “More MTA = Less CO2.”
The annual emissions figure was verified by an audit of 2009 emissions conducted by LRQA Americas Sustainability, Inc. An audit of 2010 emissions is now underway. “It’s clear that the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority has made lowering its emissions one of its top priorities,” said Ryan Schauland, Technical Specialist at LRQA Americas Sustainability, Inc. and Lead Verifier of the MTA’s 2009 greenhouse gas inventory. “The MTA’s proactive approach to voluntary verification of its greenhouse gas emissions under The Climate Registry gives the organization, and the millions of people who use its public transportation system, confidence in the MTA’s emissions reduction claims. We recognize their dedication and commitment to their carbon reduction strategies and congratulate them on another job well done.”
Measuring its carbon footprint under the auspices of The Climate Registry allows the MTA to prepare for future regulation, identify inefficiencies and potential for cost savings, and provide real and meaningful data to the public about environmental performance. It is a step toward reducing energy use, energy-related costs and carbon emissions.
“Climate Registered organizations understand that there are both environmental and economic benefits to understanding and managing your carbon footprint,” said Denise Sheehan, Executive Director of The Climate Registry. “The MTA has become part of a powerful community of Climate Registered organizations, with substantive data guiding and supporting its sustainable activities.”
For more information about the MTA’s impact on global sustainability, visit www.mta.info/sustainability where you read our report, “More MTA = Less CO2”.
About The Climate Registry:
The Climate Registry is a non-profit organization that operates the only carbon footprint registry in North America supported by states, provinces, territories and tribes. The Climate Registry helps hundreds of public and private organizations measure, report and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions with integrity.
For more information, please visit www.theclimateregistry.org.
About LRQA Americas Sustainability, Inc.:
LRQA Americas Sustainability, Inc., is one of the longest-standing accredited greenhouse gas verification bodies in the United States and one of the first to attain American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accreditation under ISO 14065 for The Climate Registry. For over a decade, the company has worked with clients across North America to manage complex environmental issues, such as climate action planning, preparing carbon footprints and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. LRQA Americas Sustainability is a part of the global LRQA brand and a member of the Lloyd’s Register Group of entities. Operating in over 120 countries, LRQA is a leading global independent provider of Business Assurance services including certification, validation, verification and training.
For more information, please visit www.rmaq.com.
Click here to read or download the entire report.
xoxo Transit Blogger
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